Previous Year Question
Consider the following towns of India:
Bhadrachalam
Chanderi
Kancheepuram
Karnal
Which of the above are famous for the production of traditional sarees/fabric?
1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3 only
1, 3 and 4
Correct Answer: B
Detailed Solution
2. Chanderi: Correct
Chanderi is a historic handloom centre situated in the Ashoknagar district of Madhya Pradesh.
Chanderi fabric is famous for its sheer texture, light weight and subtle lustre.
Three principal types of fabric are woven in Chanderi:
Pure silk.
Silk-cotton blended fabric.
Chanderi cotton.
Its traditional decorations include motifs such as ashrafi or coins, raw mangoes, lotuses, flowers and peacocks. Gold- or silver-coloured zari is commonly used in these motifs and borders.
Chanderi fabric was not originally limited to sarees; it was also used to make turbans, headgear and dhotis.
Chanderi Sarees are registered as a Geographical Indication product.
3. Kancheepuram: Correct
Kancheepuram is a principal pure-silk handloom centre of Tamil Nadu, and its name has become synonymous with Kancheepuram silk sarees.
These sarees are woven primarily from pure mulberry silk, with zari used in their borders and pallu.
Their traditional motifs reflect the influence of South Indian temple architecture, mythological figures, animals, birds and natural symbols.
Depending upon the complexity of the design, a Kancheepuram saree may take approximately 20 to 40 days to complete.
Kancheepuram Silk is also registered as a Geographical Indication.
Why not 1 and 4?
Bhadrachalam, situated on the bank of the Godavari River in present-day Telangana, is an important religious town. It is not nationally identified as a traditional saree or distinctive textile-production centre.
Karnal is an important agricultural and agricultural-research centre in Haryana; it is not famous for producing traditional sarees or a distinctive handloom fabric.